Judges 2
Scripture
Judges 2:10
“After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel.”
Observation-What does it say?
The angel of the LORD had just finished scolding the Israelites for their disobedience of God's command. God kept His covenant with their ancestors, delivered them from Egypt, and gave them the land that was promised to them. All they were asked to do is to tear down all the idols and alters of the people who were inhabitants of the land, and drive them all out. Instead they let these inhabitants live alongside them, and tolerated their customs and beliefs. This infuriated God.
Now Joshua and the people of his generation have now died, leaving a new generation to take their place. This generation did not acknowledge the LORD, or even remember the mighty things He has done for them.
Understanding-What does it mean?
It is important for us to remember where we came from, where we are, and where we are going.
We as Christ Followers should remember where we came from. We too were once slaves to sin, on a path towards an eternity separated from God. But God sent Jesus to free us from our sins. God gave us an opportunity to have eternal life, and spend eternity with Him in Heaven. All we have to do is put all our trust and faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
As I reflect on this generation, I see similarities to the generation we are reading about in this chapter. It seems that this nation in particular is pushing God out more and more. We are letting the world dictate our beliefs. This nation is keeping God out of schools, workplaces, and we are being more tolerant, even catering to other people's outside religious belief systems. Are we doomed to suffer the same fate as these same Israelites in today's reading?
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2 NLT
“Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” Psalms 103:1-2 NLT
Life Application
"But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD."-Joshua 24:15
As the spiritual leader of my household, my first priority is to minister to my family. I want to ensure that they know the LORD, love the LORD, and serve the LORD wholeheartedly. I can do this by setting the example. I want my kids seeing me not only spending time with God, but enjoying my time with Him. I want to share with them all the great things God has done for our family. I want them seeing someone who turns to God when things get rough, instead of someone who "flies off the loose end". I want them to see a man who cares for others, as well as their spiritual well being. Ultimately, I want to demonstrate to them the characteristics that Jesus displays to me.